After drinking butterbeer, Harry and his two friends didn't linger at the Three Broomsticks; they left after a short rest.
On the streets of Hogsmeade New Town, sunlight bathed the wide roads as the three of them walked through the bustling Wizard crowds, heading towards the Magical Cinema that had been marked on their map.
Rounding a small shop that sold magical joke props, the cinema appeared before their eyes.
It was an ornately decorated building with a massive billboard at the entrance, emblazoned with the words "The Legend of Merlin" and several dynamic images showcasing exciting scenes from the movie.
"Cool!"
Ron cheered, pulling Hermione and Harry quickly through the cinema's main entrance.
Upon entering the cinema, the trio were immediately awestruck by the scene before them.
The cinema lobby was even grander than they had imagined, with colorful orbs floating everywhere, and three giant magical screens hanging on the walls, each labeled: Large Screen Version, Immersive Version, and Merlin's Perspective Version.
Behind the counter, a Wizard ticket vendor enthusiastically explained the differences between the various viewing options to customers.
"The Large Screen Version, as the name suggests, is watching the movie on an extra-large cinema screen."
"You've all seen magical televisions, right? You can imagine what it feels like to watch an extra-large magical television."
A voice from the crowd chimed in: "Then I might as well watch a magical television at home."
"What? You said it's better to watch on a magical television at home?"
The ticket vendor exaggeratedly said, "Then you don't know! The sound effects here are absolutely incredible."
"Our surround sound system can transmit every subtle sound in the movie, whether it's intense battles, footsteps, spell incantations, or character dialogues. This is something magical televisions simply cannot compare to."
"The powerful bass will make you feel as if you are truly immersed in the movie scene. This kind of full-body experience is very difficult to achieve with a home magical television."
"Of course," the ticket vendor's tone shifted, "Swan Alchemy has just launched a home theater series of alchemy products. If you're interested, you can go to Swan Alchemy to check them out, but remember to prepare your wallet; they are much more expensive than movie tickets."
Ron couldn't hold back and stepped forward, asking loudly, "What about the Immersive Version?"
"You've asked the right person," the ticket vendor smiled slightly and enthusiastically explained, "The Immersive Version allows everyone to step into the movie scene."
"You will move among various film characters and personally experience all the details of the movie."
"It feels, well, just like using a pensieve."
"Of course, there isn't a pensieve large enough for all the audience members to use here, so a similar technology is used."
"I'll tell you a secret," the ticket vendor lowered his voice, "This is magic our boss obtained from the First Generation Dark Lord, Grindelwald."
"Grindelwald even used this magic to hold meetings for his Saints."
"Merlin!" A gasp went through the crowd; everyone was shocked by this news.
It was magic used by Grindelwald, and he even used it to hold meetings for the Saints.
That really had to be seen!
"What about the Merlin's Perspective Version?" A question arose from the crowd, "How is it different from the other two?"
"To watch the Merlin's Perspective Version, you need to wear special viewing glasses."
The ticket vendor took out a cool-looking alchemy pair of glasses and showed them to everyone.
"Wearing these viewing glasses, you will experience the entire story from Merlin's perspective."
"In other words, you will embark on adventures and grow as Merlin, expanding your influence in the Wizarding World, defeating dark creatures, making allies, and living a legendary life."
After listening to the ticket vendor's introduction, the Wizards gathered around eagerly purchased tickets, choosing their preferred viewing method.
Harry and his two friends huddled together, quickly discussing which movie tickets to buy.
Hermione couldn't help but exclaim, "I never thought there would be so many options for watching a magic movie, even more diverse than the viewing options in the Muggle world."
"We need to be quick," Ron said, looking anxious, "The 2 PM showing of the Merlin's Perspective Version is already sold out. Only the Large Screen Version and Immersive Version still have tickets available."
"If we wait any longer, we'll only be able to buy tickets for the 4 PM showing."
"In that case," Harry couldn't help but say, "Let's experience the Immersive Version first today, and try the other movie versions another time."
Harry's suggestion received unanimous approval from Ron and Hermione.
After buying the tickets, Harry generously treated everyone to an iced cola and a bucket of popcorn, then walked into Viewing Hall No. 2 to begin their movie journey.
...
While Harry and his two friends were immersed in the stunning experience of the magic movie, on the other side, Sebastian and Mia quietly left Hogwarts and arrived at the Swan Alchemy branch in Hogsmeade.
Although this building was called a "branch," it was incredibly majestic and grand, no less impressive than the headquarters.
The two took the magical elevator all the way up to a lavishly decorated office on the top floor.
Sebastian gently pushed open the door and a sly smile appeared on his face when he saw the familiar figure behind the desk.
"Grandpa, your grandson and granddaughter-in-law are here to see you."
The person behind the desk was Sebastian's grandfather, Anton Swan.
Although he was 93 years old, he still looked energetic, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with wisdom.
At this moment, he was wearing a simple Wizard robe, sitting there handling official business.
Hearing Sebastian's voice, Anton first offered a warm smile, then looked at Mia with loving eyes.
"Mia, you're here. Come, sit down and rest."
"Have you had lunch? If not, I'll have the kitchen make you something delicious."
"Are you thirsty? Would you like something to drink?"
"Grandpa, we've already eaten. We just came to see you," Mia said with a sweet smile.
"That's good, that's good," Anton looked at Sebastian, deliberately putting on a stern face, "You little rascal, you still remember to come see your Grandpa."
He frowned, his tone carrying a hint of complaint: "I was doing perfectly fine researching in the headquarters' laboratory. Now, at my age, I have to run all the way to Hogsmeade to handle these trivial matters."
"It's exhausting me; it's simply a torment."
After speaking, he gave Sebastian another sharp glance, as if blaming him for causing him such great distress.
Sebastian chuckled, came behind Anton, and diligently massaged his shoulders.
"Being a Professor is just too busy. You see, the moment I had some free time, I came to see you."
"Hogsmeade is of great importance, and I wouldn't feel at ease leaving it to others."
"I can only trouble you, old man, to come out of retirement again. You've worked hard. Let me massage your shoulders."
"Hmph, you're such a sly one, boy." Anton snorted, and although there was a hint of complaint in his words, the love and pride in his eyes could not be hidden.
He leaned back comfortably in his chair, enjoying Sebastian's massage, and said softly.
"Since you're here, let's talk. What brings you here today?"